Fashionably funding local organizations

David Laurell

With the kids back in school, and Labor Day less than two weeks away, the Burbank Emblem Club squeezed in one last summer fundraiser by staging their annual fashion show luncheon at the Burbank Elks Lodge on Saturday. Presented under the theme "Summer Daze," My Fair Lady Outlet teamed up with Dressed Up! of Tarzana to provide the afternoon's fashions.

Welcomed by the organization's president, Mary Hoffman, and event co-chairwomen, Elaine Paonessa and Barbara Maslyk, members and guests enjoyed socializing and perusing fashionable offerings prior to a baked ham lunch and the main event. Among the club members who took to the catwalk to fashionably present the clothing and accessories were Arlene Bakke, Ramona Higgins, Jennifer Jordan, Connie Rush and Joanne Vallone.

Also in attendance were local Red Hat Society members. Known as the "Burbank Beauties," the women in red included Beverly Barker, Fran Olivia, Carrie Cabunoc, Dolores Baima, Harriett Laurin, Gwen Blackhurst and Marjorie Fox.

"We've always received tremendous support for this event," Paonessa said. "Our budget is a fraction of what some other organizations have to do their fashion shows, but over the years I have heard from many women who have said this is one they really look forward to."

The Emblem Club, an auxiliary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a community service organization comprising women who show honor and respect to the American flag, patriotism and fellowship. Among the local charities that have benefited from the Emblem Club's efforts are the Salvation Army Burbank Corps, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Burbank Family Service Agency, Foothill Service for the Blind, Burbank Boys & Girls Club, Teachers of the Hearing Impaired and the Hearing Dog Program. The organization has also made it a long-standing policy to award scholarships to students from Burbank's public and parochial high schools.